Top 10 Famous Gardens in China

The Four Famous Gardens of China, as designated by the State Council in 1961, are four classical gardens that hold national importance. These gardens are: Zhuo Zheng Yuan (拙政园) in Suzhou, Yi He Yuan (颐和园) in Beijing, Bishu Shanzhuang (避暑山庄) in Chengde, and Liu Yuan (留园) in Suzhou. Zhuo Zheng Yuan and Liu Yuan are representative of private gardens in the Jiangnan region, while Yi He Yuan and Bishu Shanzhuang belong to the imperial garden system. These gardens are located in Suzhou, Beijing, and Chengde, respectively.

Bishu Shanzhuang began construction in 1703, covering an area of 5.64 million square meters. It is the largest surviving imperial garden in China, divided into four functional areas: the palace area, lake area, plain area, and mountain area. Yi He Yuan, originally known as Qing Yi Yuan, was started in 1750. It covers 295 hectares and integrates elements from Hangzhou's West Lake and Jiangnan gardens. Zhuo Zheng Yuan was established in 1509 and features water as the central theme, with its current layout finalized during the late Qing dynasty. Liu Yuan, divided into four sections (east, west, north, and central), reflects the architectural style of Jiangnan gardens during the Qing dynasty.

In 2015, the management bodies of these four gardens signed a cooperation framework agreement in Suzhou to establish a joint mechanism for heritage protection and tourism development.

Top 10 Gardens in China

1. Yuanming Yuan (圆明园)

Yuanming Yuan, also known as the Old Summer Palace, is one of the most famous royal gardens of the Qing dynasty, often referred to as the "Garden of Gardens." Construction began in 1709, initially as a project by Emperor Kangxi and later expanded by Emperor Qianlong. The garden was destroyed by the British and French forces in 1860, with approximately 1.5 million cultural artifacts looted. After the founding of New China, the ruins were preserved, and in 1988, the site was opened to the public.

2. Yi He Yuan (颐和园)

Yi He Yuan is the largest and most well-preserved royal garden in China, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was originally established as Qing Yi Yuan in 1750 by Emperor Qianlong. The garden features a combination of palaces, temples, and lakes, with iconic landmarks like the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat.

3. Qi Yuan (绮园)

Located in Haiyan County, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, Qi Yuan was originally the "Feng Shi Garden" and was renamed by its owner Feng Zuan Zhai in 1871. This smaller garden incorporates the styles of Suzhou, Yangzhou, and Hangzhou gardens, with its main attractions being picturesque water features and winding paths.

4. Qing Hui Yuan (清晖园)

Located in Shunde, Foshan, Guangdong, Qing Hui Yuan was purchased in the 18th century and expanded over several generations. Its design is a prime example of Lingnan gardens, featuring compact, intricate layouts with elements such as pavilions, stone bridges, and water features.

5. Zhuo Zheng Yuan (拙政园)

Located in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Zhuo Zheng Yuan is considered the epitome of classical Jiangnan gardens, dating back to the Ming dynasty. The garden is centered around water, with its pavilions and halls reflecting the tranquil beauty of the Jiangnan region.

6. Wang Shi Yuan (网师园)

Wang Shi Yuan, another classic garden in Suzhou, was established during the Southern Song Dynasty. Despite its small size, the garden features a meticulous design, with its highlights being water features, pavilions, and secluded spaces that reflect the elegance of Jiangnan garden aesthetics.

7. Yu Yuan (豫园)

Located in the old city of Shanghai, Yu Yuan was built during the Ming dynasty by the government official Pan Yunduan as a tribute to his parents. The garden, which combines elements from the Ming and Qing dynasties, features rockeries, ponds, and traditional Chinese architecture, with highlights like the "Jade Linglong" stone.

8. Gu Lian Hua Chi (古莲花池)

Located in Baoding, Hebei Province, Gu Lian Hua Chi has a long history and has undergone several transformations, serving as a private garden, royal garden, and a public park. The garden is celebrated for its elegant and compact design, featuring stone bridges, pavilions, and traditional Chinese landscaping.

9. Ji Chang Yuan (寄畅园)

Located in Wuxi, Jiangsu, Ji Chang Yuan lies at the foot of Huishan Mountain. The garden blends natural landscapes with architectural elements, using "borrowed scenery" techniques to incorporate the surrounding hills and lakes into its design. The garden has historical significance as the resting place for Qing emperors during their southern tours.

10. Ge Yuan (个园)

Located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, Ge Yuan was built by Huang Zhiyun in 1818. The garden is famous for its use of bamboo and stone formations to represent the four seasons. Its rockeries and distinctive bamboo groves create a harmonious blend of nature and artistry.

More Famous Gardens in China

Jiangnan Region

1. Ou Yuan (耦园)

Located in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Ou Yuan is known as the "Garden of Love." It is centered around the theme of romantic gardens, with its pavilions and corridors meticulously designed to reflect the beauty of love. The garden is renowned for its elegant landscaping, featuring lovely water features and the scenic views of the surrounding trees and ponds.

2. Tui Si Yuan (退思园)

Located in Suzhou, Tui Si Yuan was built during the Qing Dynasty and occupies a modest nine acres of land. Despite its small size, the garden's compact yet delicate design stands out. The architecture, bridges, pavilions, and small lakes are all placed near the water, creating a distinctive "water-edge garden" style.

3. He Yuan (何园)

Situated in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, He Yuan is renowned as "the first garden of late Qing." It combines the charm of Jiangnan gardens with Western architectural influences. The garden's main highlight is its 1,500-meter-long corridor, which runs throughout the entire garden, as well as the unique rock formations and scenic spots.

4. Shou Xi Hu (瘦西湖)

Located in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, Shou Xi Hu (Slender West Lake) is a famous garden that blends the grandeur of mountains and water with the delicacy of private gardens. The lake features iconic sites such as Xiao Jin Shan (Little Gold Mountain), the Five Pavilion Bridge, and the White Pagoda, each representing different scenic aspects of the landscape.

Northern Region

5. Bei Hai Gong Yuan (北海公园)

Bei Hai Gong Yuan (Beihai Park) in Beijing is one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens. It began construction during the Liao Dynasty and features the stunning Qiong Hua Island and its White Pagoda. The park merges the grand imperial landscape with delicate Jiangnan-style gardening, making it a rare example of such a blend.

6. Gong Wang Fu Hua Yuan (恭王府花园)

Located in Beijing, Gong Wang Fu (Prince Gong's Mansion) features the largest royal garden from the Qing dynasty. The garden, with its lush gardens, streams, and tranquil ponds, provides an excellent example of Chinese royal garden architecture with imperial and private garden features harmoniously combined.

7. Chang Chun Yuan (畅春园)

Situated in Beijing, Chang Chun Yuan was originally a royal garden and was used by Emperor Kangxi as a summer retreat. The garden's central theme is water, influenced by Jiangnan gardens, with pavilions and halls scattered throughout the park. Though only a ruin today, it remains an important representation of early Qing royal gardens.

Lingnan Region

8. Yu Yin Shan Fang (余荫山房)

Located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, Yu Yin Shan Fang is one of the four most famous gardens in Lingnan. Known for its intricate design and small size, the garden cleverly uses its limited space to create a harmonious balance between pavilions, rockeries, and water features. It also includes elements from Western architecture, showcasing the unique fusion of styles.

9. Qing Hui Yuan (清晖园)

Located in Foshan, Guangdong, Qing Hui Yuan is the premier example of Lingnan garden design. Its layout centers around water, with various pavilions and halls arranged around ponds. The garden is home to many Lingnan cultural elements, including wood, brick, and stone carvings, which contribute to its beauty and cultural richness.

10. Liang Yuan (梁园)

Also in Foshan, Liang Yuan is famous for its vast collection of Lingnan-style "odd stones," which are arranged with water, greenery, and small ponds to create a pleasing visual effect. The garden's layout is spacious and open, yet retains a sense of tranquility and elegance, typical of Lingnan garden aesthetics.

Other Regions

11. Zhan Yuan (瞻园)

Located in Nanjing, Jiangsu, Zhan Yuan is the oldest classical garden in the city, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The garden is built around artificial hills and ponds, featuring traditional Chinese architecture and pavilions. The garden's rich cultural history and beautiful landscape make it an iconic spot in Nanjing.

12. Cang Lang Ting (沧浪亭)

Another famous garden in Suzhou, Jiangsu, Cang Lang Ting is one of the oldest gardens in the region, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty. Known for its natural, unrefined beauty, it combines classical elements such as ponds, trees, and pavilions with artistic rock formations and traditional landscaping.

13. Liu Yi Yuan (刘毅园)

Located in Jinhua, Zhejiang, Liu Yi Yuan is a private garden with a simple, tranquil design that emphasizes harmony with nature. The garden's focal point is its lily pond, surrounded by delicate pavilions, stone bridges, and lush greenery.